2011 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 14%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2011 MINI Cooper, 14% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Thermostat & housing plus water pump have been replaced. Car still runs temps in excess of 230 before fan will come on. I am fearful the engine may get on fire due to heat and therefore, I am not driving it. Took it to the dealer and they removed 2 relays, one of which controlled the engine fan. I replaced the relay.”
NHTSA complaint #11231627, filed 2019-07, 60,000 miles“Half engine light come on during driving while change lane on the freeway, and going up hell. Not losing power turbo working fine. Dealer replace vacuum pump but not fix the problem. Half engine light come off when you drive from park while pressing the gas pedal increasing RPM to 15oo, on the freeway or up on the hell the half light come back on. Dealer can not diagnose the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10986139, filed 2017-05, 60,000 miles“There is a loud clanging coming from the motor, the engine lost oil, it is being towed to a mechanic - the diagnosis is a bad timing chain tensioner, the car has about 65,000 miles, there was a recall for 2008 - 2010 minis for this problem”
NHTSA complaint #10855015, filed 2016-04, 65,000 miles“Mini Cooper 2011 overheated and blew off radiator hoses while driving on fwy- engine damage and head replacement.. Dealer is saying bottom radiator hose must have come off and leaked coolant. Just had it serviced.”
NHTSA complaint #10598849, filed 2014-06, 74,000 miles“Exhaust vanos solenoid failure 06/12/2019. This is a common issue to Mini's and bmw's that occurs on a regular basis which interrupts the pollution control system. Bmw who manufactures the part has extended the warranty for this part on bmw's to 10 years but has not yet addressed all the issues that Mini owners have had with the particular part. There are two in the engine and they are identical (intake/exhaust) cost to replace is over $500. Why does bmw get a replacement and Mini owners have to pay. The car goes into a limp mode when failure occurs, so still drivable but at reduced power. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234357, filed 2019-07, 84,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171506Jan 1, 2020CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of…
- 10159154Mar 1, 2019N16 ENGINE IGNITION COILS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 08 17 dated February 2018.
- 10147906Dec 1, 2015Surface Cracks on the Water Pump Drive Pulley. During a repair, service or inspection, the drive pulley on the water pump shows signs of cracking. No part replacement is…
- 10147223Jul 1, 2015Intermittent Poor Throttle Response at High Ambient Temperatures. The engine throttle response from a stop can intermittently be sluggish when the outside ambient temperatures…
- 10059114Jul 1, 2015Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature is high outside, and more obvious if the tank is only partly filled.
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10059094Jun 1, 2015Mini: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 10 | 36% |
| 2015 | 14 | 25% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 4 | 9% |
| 2012 | 17 | 26% |
| 2011 | 12 | 14% |
| 2010 | 32 | 35% |
| 2009 | 46 | 30% |
| 2008 | 44 | 38% |
| 2007 | 30 | 26% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 MINI Cooper
37 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 MINI Cooper
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology